GRAND HAVEN, MI – A long-time Catholic deacon from Grand Haven has been ordered to repay $120,000 that he stole from collection plates.

A Catholic deacon has been ordered to repay $120,000 he stole from collection plates at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Grand Haven.AP File Photo

Joseph Finnigan, 73, pleaded guilty Friday, March 1, to two counts of larceny over $20,000 in Ottawa County Circuit Court, according to the County Clerk’s Office. A third count of embezzlement over $20,000 was dropped in exchange for the plea.

As part of the plea deal, Finnigan has until his sentencing on April 22 to repay $120,000 or the embezzlement could be filed again. The agreement also leaves open the possibility of the church filing a civil lawsuit against Finnigan to recoup civil damages regardless of whether the $120,000 is paid in full.

Finnigan had worked as an ordained deacon at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Grand Haven for 11 years before being terminated in November, when the thefts came to light. Officials with the Grand Rapids Diocese of the Catholic Church believe Finnigan stole money from church collection plates over a period of more than a year.

Authorities haven’t released exactly how much money they believe Finnigan stole.